Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act

Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.

Congressional Research Service

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 1, 1994

Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program under which the Attorney General will contribute up to 50 percent of the funds needed to provide merchandise, certificates for merchandise or services, or other non-cash incentives to individuals who turn in firearms under State, local, or private firearm buy-back programs. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) agree to contribute an amount that is no greater than the State, local, and private funds committed to the particular program; and (2) set such other terms to ensure that each program is operated in an efficient and bona fide manner consistent with the interests of law enforcement. Prohibits the Attorney General from prescribing the terms under which such programs will accept firearms in exchange for any offered incentive. Directs the Attorney General to require that: (1) all firearms that are turned in be destroyed; and (2) a program agree to provide only non-cash incentives. Terminates the Attorney General's program on September 30, 1995. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Attorney General to report on the effect of the firearm buy-back programs in reducing the incidence of crime.

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People & committees

Who introduced it

Sen. Dole, Robert J. [R-KS] · R–KS

Committees

Judiciary Committee

9 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Legislative record

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

Mar 25, 1994
Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.
Feb 1, 1994
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Feb 1, 1994
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S528-529)
Feb 1, 1994
Introduced in Senate

Primary sources

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Introduced in Senate · Feb 1, 1994 Formatted Text PDF

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Discuss S.1815, 103rd Congress: Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/senate-bill/1815

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 1994-02-01.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/103/bills/s1815/BILLS-103s1815is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:53:37Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Analyze S.1815 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Discuss S.1815, 103rd Congress: Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/senate-bill/1815

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 1994-02-01.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/103/bills/s1815/BILLS-103s1815is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:53:37Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine S.1815 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Examine S.1815 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Discuss S.1815, 103rd Congress: Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/senate-bill/1815

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 1994-02-01.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/103/bills/s1815/BILLS-103s1815is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:53:37Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine S.1815 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Discuss S.1815, 103rd Congress: Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/senate-bill/1815

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 1994-02-01.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/103/bills/s1815/BILLS-103s1815is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:53:37Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine S.1815 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.